Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers. 3 John 1:2

God’s Ransomed Hearts

When I think about the word, “ransomed”, I am reminded of the movie, “Ransom”. Mel Gibson played the wealthy father of a small boy who had been kidnapped. The kidnappers were demanding millions of dollars. This father put everything in his life on hold and began his mission of “Saving” his child. His wife (played by Rene Russo)believed in and trusted her husbands wisdom, believing fully that he could and would rescue and save their son. The police wanted them to just sit back and let them do the work of rescuing their son. This is what seemed to be the most logical thing to do. Allowing the professionals to get it done. But the Father, (Mel Gibson) knew his child personally and had a gut feeling of what he should do. This “Father” grieved over this childs abduction and being held captive. Even though it didn’t make sense in the world, it made sense to the “Father”. This “Father” knew what was right in this situation and in the end he did rescue His child.

Our Heavenly Father is much like this father who saved his child. He knows what it takes to save us, to rescue us from darkness that tries to hold us in captivity to many things and in many ways.

Matthew 20:28 (kjv) Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

It is very clear in this definition that, as I was held captive, bound, even if I was unaware of it. Jesus came to my rescue and I was set free, as he paid the price for my ransom with His life.

Matthew 20:28 (kjv) Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Ephesians 4:7 Yet grace (God’s unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and bounteous] gift. Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men.

He led captivity captive!

Following taken from Jamieson, Faussett & Brown – (Commentary on Ephesians 4:8)

captivity — that is, a band of captives. In the Psalm, the captive foes of David. In the antitypical meaning, the foes of Christ the Son of David, the devil, death, the curse, and sin (Col.2:15; 2Pe.2:4), led as it were in triumphal procession as a sign of the destruction of the foe.

Colosians 2:14-15 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Thus, Jesus came that I could go free, He became the ransomed price paid in my stead…. He paid a debt he did not owe, for me and for you….that we could be free! Who the Son sets free is free indeed!

Thank you, Lord for being the ransomed price paid for my freedom from sin and shame, and paying the price that I can be free from all bondage!!!!